Monday, June 29, 2015

Welcome to the 43rd Yarn Fanatic Link Party, and my 26th as co-host, alongside Rachel from The Philosopher's Wife.

This past week I had a full week planned, but my first week at my new job kind of put me behind a little bit. I had big plans both days to come home and just click the "Publish" button, but after getting up early and spending a whole day out in the 95 - 100 degree hot sun, all I wanted to do (and did) when I got home was sleep. Today (had to correct myself as I write this on Sunday night), I get to work a shift in the self parking area by myself and boy am I excited! Then I get to start training in the valet parking area.I did get a few posts up:

I am loving this Sweet and Generous Gift that Milena of Milena Places sent me!

My boyfriend, Chad, and I celebrated our Two Year Anniversary together.

Here is the gift I put together for him.

You can read more about the story behind it, and all the ideas I had before settling.

I also posted the Free Crochet Pattern for Chad's Emerald Washcloths - one of the gifts I gave to Chad for our anniversary. This pattern is written in two sizes. They are great for many uses around the house including as a washcloth in the bathroom, as a dishcloth/small hand towel in the kitchen, to dry your paint brushes off (as Chad does), among many other things!

AND! I have 8 patriotic hat and embellishment crochet patterns to share! All from a custom order I just finished filling :) Tune back in on Tuesday for the first!

Most Clicked:

Alternating Water Bottle Carrier from Crochet n Crafts. Water bottle carriers are extra great for the hot, summer season. I absolutely love this alternating pattern! I tested a chunky slouch hat for Rhelena a while back using this pattern, but must say seeing it as a water bottle carrier instead gives it a whole new look! LOVE. Free Pattern included for us :)

EyeLoveKnots Yarn Favorites:

Left to Right, Top to Bottom:

Blue Clutch from Hip Met Haken. A few parties ago, I favorited a different Doily Purse shared by Saskia of Hip Met Haken. This Blue Clutch is no exception to my love of the doily top embellished purse! This is the cutest idea and with so many mandala and doily patterns available to us, the possibilities are endless! Link provided to free crochet pattern.

Summer Mandala Part 2 from Atelier Marie-Lucienne. Are you following along with the Summer Mandala mini CAL from Atelier Marie-Lucienne? This mandala is so bright and beautiful! Last week, Part 1 was one of our Most Clicked Projects - are any of your working along?

Colorado Sunset Wrap from Posh Pooch Design. The colors are the first thing that attracted me to this Sunset Wrap, but now looking closer at it the lacy look and versatility of the finished piece make me want to try out this Wrap all the more! It would definitely be too warm to accessorize with this time of year unless made with cotton yarn, but come fall, it will be a great addition to any outfit! Free Crochet Pattern included!

Red, White and Blue Doll Outfit from Tess and Annie. Welcome back Tess! What a great Summer outfit for an 11" Fashion Doll - short skirt, tank top, nautical/patriotic colors... The look itself reminds me of a Doll I have (still in the box) that is for Back to School. So cute! Free Crochet Pattern included!

Another Diana Purse from Divine Debris. I just LOVE the texture of this purse. It really pops against the solid turquoise pattern. Free Crochet Pattern included.

This Week's Giveaway... This section is under construction...

Join the Party!

The Yarn Fanatic Party will begin every Monday afternoon, and run through Sunday night. You have all week and weekend to post your fantastic yarn related projects!

Please share projects that are family friendly, and YARN RELATED; ie Crochet, Knit, with an extension to include Cross Stitch, Needlepoint on Plastic Canvas and Embroidery.Also make sure you are linking up to your blog post, and just just your blog's home page.

We encourage you to:

*Become a Follower of the blog where you linked up. Following both is also greatly appreciated!

Features will be chosen weekly. By linking up, you give us permission to feature your item.*If you don't have a blog, you can still share with us by creating a Free Flickr Account - powered by Yahoo. Add your projects there, and then come back here with the link for the project.*Link ups cannot be to Etsy listings or Ravelry pages where patterns are sold. You can link to blog posts, Flickr or Facebook pages, Pins, etc that are directed towards it, but can't directly link to it. To be clearer though, Raverly pages of finished projects are okay to share. Sorry for the inconvenience! That's per InLinkz guidelines. Thanks!

Sunday, June 28, 2015

10.12.17 Update: This used to be titled as Chad's Emerald Washcloth in 2 Sizes. I have a step-by-step photo tutorial for these washcloths, and through the pattern update, I changed the title as well.When I was with my ex-boyfriend, Chad, for our Two Year Anniversary together, him some new paint brushes, some brush cleaner and some washcloths that he can use to dry off his brushes, wipe off his brushes or just lay his brushes on. You can read more about the story in my Our Two Year Anniversary Together - Gift Idea post.Here, I'd like to share the washcloth pattern with you! I have it listed in two sizes because I wasn't sure what size would work best for his brushes so I made both!They are great for using in the bathroom as a washcloth, especially the larger one, or in the kitchen as a dishcloth. Chad gets great use out of his for his paint brushes, and my little cousin, Madison, likes to use them as blankets for her dolls.Materials: - About 80 yards of Worsted Weight Cotton Yarn - I used Bernat Handicrafter Geometric Yarn in Emerald Energy and Emerald Energy Ombre, and Crafter's Secret Cotton Yarn in Gray and City Stripe - H8/5mm Crochet Hook - #18 Tapestry NeedleMaterial Notes:Yarn Alternatives:Lily Sugar n Cream, Lion Brand's Kitchen Cotton, Hobby Lobby's Crafter's Secret Cotton.I do not suggest using Hobby Lobby's I Love This Cotton Yarn as it isn't as durable or tough enough for scrubbing. It's a good option for scarves and other garment-like projects.Cotton yarn is a little tougher when it comes to weaving in your ends. You will want a tapestry needle with a larger eye, and duller point otherwise, it will take you longer to weave in your ends and hurt your fingers from tugging at the needle and yarn.

Time Spent: The small washcloth worked up in under 45 minutes, and the medium in just over 45 minutes, including weaving. Measurements: With border, the small washcloth measures 8" wide x 8.25" in length, and the medium washcloth measures 8" wide x 10" in length.

Gauge:Using an H8/5mm Hook and Lily Sugar n Cream - 4" x 4" Chain 17, HDC in the 2nd chain, and each chain across. (16 HDC) R2 - 10: Chain 1, turn. HDC in the 1st stitch, and in each stitch. Fasten Off.Abbreviations: SC - Single Crochet HDC - Half Double CrochetPattern Notes: The instructions for the small size are given, with the medium size in parenthesis.When working up and down the sides of a project, you typically work one stitch if project is worked in single crochet, and two stitches if project is worked in double crochet. For this washcloth, my sides have three stitches per two rows.I finished my washcloth with an invisible join, which creates a clean, consistent look, but you could also slip stitch join. If you do choose to finish this way, only work one single crochet into the last stitch, as the join will count as the final stitch.If using Crafters Secret, I suggest adding two chains to the beginning, which adds two stitches to the width. Work 21 or 26 rows, respectively.Pattern:

Chain 1, turn. SC in the 1st HDC and in the next 23 HDCs, work 3 SC in the next HDC - corner, evenly SC down the side working 29 (34) stitches, 3 SC in the next stitch - corner, SC in the next 23 stitches across the opposite side of the foundation chain, work 3 SC in the next stitch - corner, evenly SC up the side working 29 (34) stitches, 2 SC in the last/first stitch. Join to the first SC.

For an invisible join, you will skip the slip stitch at the end. Work the last single crochet, then fasten off with a long tail. Pull up on the loop, and thread tapestry needle. Insert needle underneath both loops of the first stitch from this round to complete the first half of the stitch, then take needle down the center through both loops of the last stitch worked of this round to complete the second half of the stitch. Pull on the tail to tighten stitch - try to make it uniform with the rest, so don't pull too tight!

In either case, weave in your ends.

Please feel free to make and sell your own version of these Basic Washcloth's using this pattern, but please DO NOT claim this pattern as your own nor should you sell my pattern, and DO NOT re-publish my photos as your own. DO NOT copy and paste my pattern anywhere, link to it instead.*If you would like a PDF version of this post, you may get one through my Etsy shop for a small fee. This fee is to compensate for the view/s lost once you no longer need to return to the blog for the information, as you will have your own copy. Plus! It helps fund supplies for new projects to share with you!Shop EyeLoveKnots on Etsy - Basic Washcloth in 2 Sizes.Shop EyeLoveKnots on Craftsy - Basic Washcloth in 2 Sizes.

My boyfriend, Chad, and I just celebrated our two year anniversary together - dating, not married. My go-to gifts for him are usually a gift basket full of goodies (ie body wash, shampoo, toothpaste, hair ties, peanut butter snacks and candies, gatorade, etc) or some new painting canvas. I wanted to do something a little different so I went to my cousin, Tiffany, and friend, Ashley, for suggestions.My cousin, Tiffany, threw out the idea of going with marriage gift categories. For a two year wedding anniversary the Traditional gift is Cotton, and the Modern gift is China so I got to brainstorming (the day before our anniversary!).My initial idea was to buy a styrofoam ball, some paint brushes and a [china] mug and make a little mug-bush-like gift with $2 bills as the leaves, but since I was already at Hobby Lobby, I decided against the extra stop to pick up a mug. Plus, I wanted to incorporate something crocheted with cotton yarn.I then got to thinking that Chad could use a place to put his paint tubes - since they are currently ALL over the table, floor, kitchen counter... I figured I'd make a basket out of some cotton yarn so before I made my way over to the yarn aisle, I decided on two variety packs and some brush cleaner - something different than the big jug of liquid cleaner.I was a little disappointed in the yarn aisle as I couldn't find the heavier worsted weight cotton in my color choice and quantity that fit a good price. The options there were too little yardage for too much for my need, so I made an extra trip over to JoAnn's and I am so glad I did!JoAnn's always has some neat seasonal-like options in the large skeins of Handicrafter Yarn. Last summer I picked up some Bernat Handicrafter Nautical Yarn which I loved, and this trip I picked up some Bernat Handicrafter Geometric Yarn which came in the perfect shade of green! (Chad's favorite color).Unfortunately, the basket idea didn't quite work out like I was hoping so I decided on some washcloths that he could use to dry off his brushes, wipe off the excess paint or just lay his brushes out on.

All in all, my thought was the washcloths were made of cotton, and the paint brushes were made in China. Hehe! He loved the gift! And started using everything right away.

What have you given or been given in celebration of your two year anniversary?

Friday, June 26, 2015

A few weeks ago, I shared a free crochet pattern for some Robin's Egg Slanted Shell Facial Scrubbies. I was excited to get it up as I was just in love with the pattern and color choice, but what really made posting this pattern the most rewarding was when Milena of Milena Places shared her Scrubbies and Soaps post with us at our Yarn Fanatic Party #35. It was the first time (that I know of) that someone actually used one of my patterns to make something and boy did I get super excited! I did touch on it when I featured this post as one of my EyeLoveKnots Yarn Favorites on the Yarn Fanatic Party #36. I think what I love even more than just seeing her use my pattern, was the addition of the loopy edge. It took a feminine stitched facial scrubbie and took it to the next level. Such a great idea!I enjoyed reading her post and seeing the refreshing looking soaps and just imagining the amazing aromas and feel of them. Milena and I conversed a few times back and forth as I wanted to know more about her soap making and such. I had been wanting to try some handmade soaps and wanted to know more about it. I have sensitive skin and it is hard to find a good soap to use. Typically, I just go with oatmeal.

She went one step further and offered to send me some soap! I patiently waited to receive them from across the world, and was so delighted when I did! I knew immediately what was in the package, and opened it before anything else.

I was so surprised to have not only received two soaps, but also the facial scrubbies she blogged about! They are made of such soft cotton, and being packaged with the soaps, have taken on the delightful aromas. I have not yet had the opportunity to try out the soap as I am trying to finish the soap that I had been using prior to receiving these soaps but I am so excited to try them! I will be sure to report back :)Make sure to check out Milena's blog, Milena Places! There is plenty there to inspire you, especially all of the items that she makes on a weekly basis for donation to charity - like this Cherry Blossom Backpack, Colorful Tunisian Throw, Tunisian Throw with Daisies, and this beautiful Candy Mayflower Baby Blanket.I just wanted to share this sweet and generous gift I received. Have any of you received such a gift? Or sent such a gift and received lots of gratitude in return?Do any of you use handmade soaps? Which is your favorite combination of ingredients?

I have been working on a pair of fox earrings, but I don't have them quite ready yet. I just started my first week at my new job, and being out in the higher 90 to low 100 degree weather all day really has just worn me out. All I have been doing is sleeping as soon as I get home - when I had a bunch of things I wanted to share this week - yikes! Today, was my first day off and I was finally able to get some things done around the house, but not to finish my fox earrings. :/I figured I would go ahead and share a Cute Fox Earrings Etsy Treasury I put together in preparation for the fox earrings I - at the time - was brainstorming.*I did obtain permission from the featured shops below to use their photo with link back.Enjoy! Be on the look out next Thursday for my fox earrings with a free pattern to go with :)

These sweet fox stud earrings are made from an original design, which is printed directly onto the acrylic and then laser cut to the design. Paired with a set of surgical steel studs, these fox earrings will fit anyone and last for years to come!

These are so neat! I have tried using clay to make a few different things, but I never really have the best of luck with it. These are handmade with polymer clay, and attached to surgical steel studs making them perfect for sensitive ears.

The omifimo shop is full of unique polymer clay creations, including some reptile-like patterns (like these snake skin ones) and soutache inspired earrings (like these blue and pink colored ones on my personal wish list!).

Fabric button earrings are something that I absolutely LOVE! I have attempted any of my own, but there are endless possibilities!

Michelle from MichyLouDotCom has quite a few fabric button earring options including an adorable Panda print, fun Rainbow Chevron print, and the ever popular Navy and Cream Chevron print great for the summer season.

These fox earrings are the sweetest! The rosy cheeks and dainty hair bow makes these absolutely adorable!

Tammy is so talented with the clay. In TammysClayCreations shop you can also find personalized cake toppers (like this sweet Hippopotamus one), retractable badge clips (like this fun flamingo one), and magnets/pins.

Monday, June 22, 2015

Welcome to the 42nd Yarn Fanatic Link Party, and my 25th as co-host, alongside Rachel from The Philosopher's Wife.This week I have been busy working, but haven't been doing much on my computer. I have a full week for you though. You can expect:Wednesday - Some photos from my most recent trip on Living the Dream Wednesday; And a fox earring round up.Thursday - A tutorial for a pair of fox earrings.Friday - An overview of a thoughful, fun, yarn gift I received.Saturday - A sweet, short story and gift idea.Sunday - A Free Crochet Pattern from me related to the gift idea.I hope you will come back to share along with me!Most Clicked:

From Left to Right:

A New Long-Term Project from Colour Crochet Love. What is 'Gemütlichkeit'? Make sure to visit with Viola to find out! It's seems Viola has come to realize that love-hate relationship we all have with our pesky ends. I say love because the weaving of the ends brings together our beautiful projects, but hate because... well... I think we all know why. Hehe. She asks a great question though - how do you handle your ends? Weave in as you go, or at the end?

Lucienne's Summer Mandala Part 1 from Atelier Marie-Lucienne. Bright colors get me every time. I am in love with this Summer Mandala! It's made of beautiful bright colors, and a unique pattern. Free Pattern is included for us! Time to gather my supplies, and get to work.

A Little Piece of Happiness from Colour Crochet Love. I think shawls are such beautiful pieces. They are great for many different things like keeping shoulders warm while out, covering hair during windy conditions, accenting an outfit, providing comfort to any in need, among many other things. Pattern link included in this post.

EyeLoveKnots Yarn Favorites:

From Left to Right, Top to Bottom:

Butterfly Crochet Pattern from My Little Shop of Treasures. These butterflies are so pretty! These are great to use as appliques, attach to alligator clips for hair clips or a pin to attach to hats, pillows, etc. And a free pattern is included for us :)

Moogly CAL Square 11 from Shelf Reading Life. This Wildflower Granny Square is such a beautiful piece! Though it is part of the Moogly CAL Sampler Afghan, this square alone would make a great afghan for Spring decor, or for a little girls room. I think I will be adding this to my list of gift ideas for my little cousin :)

Rainbow Explosion from Van Dani. Though there isn't a pattern included here, this beautiful, bright and fun piece is a great inspiration piece. The yarn used looks just like Red Heart's Boutique Treasure yarn - a gorgeous, wool yarn I have used several times. Love it.

Crocheted Sea Glass Pendant from KBB Crafts. This is such a neat idea! I am very much into jewelry making, and wire wrapping is something that is intriguing to me. I have seen several YouTube videos showing different wire wrapping techniques for creating pendants from Sea Glass, but this crocheted technique is more up my alley. It's a beautiful pendant ready to wear in minutes and matches with almost everything.

Pom Poms Made Easy from Made in a Day. Kim provides us with a great photo tutorial showing how easy it is to make adorable little pom poms the easy way. I, of course, enjoy doing things the hard way (hehe) but one of these tools is definitely a great thing to have on hand!

This Week's Giveaway... Well, sorry to say there isn't one this week. We are currently looking for Giveaway Sponsors. Do you sell patterns, yarn or yarn related items? Would you like to have your shop and/or blog highlighted? Just send an email to Rachel of The Philosopher's Wife letting her know that you are interested and she will get all the details worked out. We thank you for your participation and support!

Join the Party!

The Yarn Fanatic Party will begin every Monday afternoon, and run through Sunday night. You have all week and weekend to post your fantastic yarn related projects!

Please share projects that are family friendly, and YARN RELATED; ie Crochet, Knit, with an extension to include Cross Stitch, Needlepoint on Plastic Canvas and Embroidery.Also make sure you are linking up to your blog post, and just just your blog's home page.

We encourage you to:

*Become a Follower of the blog where you linked up. Following both is also greatly appreciated!

Features will be chosen weekly. By linking up, you give us permission to feature your item.*If you don't have a blog, you can still share with us by creating a Free Flickr Account - powered by Yahoo. Add your projects there, and then come back here with the link for the project.*Link ups cannot be to Etsy listings or Ravelry pages where patterns are sold. You can link to blog posts, Flickr or Facebook pages, Pins, etc that are directed towards it, but can't directly link to it. To be clearer though, Raverly pages of finished projects are okay to share. Sorry for the inconvenience! That's per InLinkz guidelines. Thanks!

I didn't get to work very much this week as we had a death in the family and had to travel out of town for the service and such. Though funerals are usually a very sad occasion, this one wasn't too bad. My boyfriend's family is large and close. Together we gathered to honor and celebrate the life of their patriarch. Lots of fun stories were shared, as well as stories of his adventures in the navy and marines, growing up and raising a family in West Virginia, all his contributions to the community and church as well as his final years in the Sunshine State. He led a rich life, surrounded by great people and was a sweet and phenomenal man :) He will be missed.

Aside from this, I am feeling quite inspired :)

**New Party News: We want everyone to have an equal shot at getting the clicks, views and comments so the last three links shared will be relinked by us. :)

Most Clicked:

From Left to Right:

Tunisian Blanket with Daisies for Charity from Milena Places. This is such a pretty blanket! I love the colors chosen paired with the texture of the reverse tunisian stitch. The daisies are an added bonus. Link included to the free pattern for the daisies. I am sure this will help Vasko greatly - a child in need :) Milena makes blankets left and right for donation. Have you made anything for donation?

A Sunny Day from Atelier Marie-Lucienne. I will admit, I am jealous of the day Marjan had in this post. A bright sunny day, outside with feet up and a BBQ on the way. Sounds so nice and relaxing! And is reflected in her newest cushion - a bright and fun granny square cushion with tassels! Love it!

Starfish Can from Haekel Fieber. This beachy can is a great addition to your summer/beachy/nautical decor - especially in the bathroom as they are great for organizing bathroom notions. I think they'd also be great for carrying potpourri and filling your home with delicious aromas.

EyeLoveKnots Yarn Favorites:

From Left to Right, Top to Bottom:

Lucy Doll from Jaimees Welt. This Lucy Doll is adorable! I need to find me a pattern similar so I can work up a doll as cute as this!

Clutch Purse from Hip Met Haken. I have had purses on my mind lately, and jotted down some ideas but haven't gotten around to working any yet. I may though continue to put those on hold and work up one (or ten) of these cute clutch purses! Link included for free crochet pattern. And don't forget to scroll down and see the packaging idea at the end! Great gift for any lady friend :)

Whale Rattle from Haak en Smaak. As the nautical nursery theme is in, this whale rattle fits in perfectly! It is adorable, and looks simple to construct. Link included for free pattern. Make sure you get your copy to work up one for the next baby shower that you are invited too ;)

Here Comes the Bride! Capelet from Van Dani. This capelet is just beautiful! And definitely has a rustic, romantic look to it with the lacy pattern and dusty rose color. It's part of a #rusticlacesquare challenge. I haven't heard of it, but maybe you participated in it?

Twilight Sparkle Dog Snood from Posh Pooch Designs. Though I don't knit, I would like to learn. This snood is going on my list because, well - it's too cute on this pooch!

My Philosopher Favorite:

Have you seen this Corset Cuff Bracelet WIP that Rachel of The Philosopher's Wife is working on? I absolutely LOVE the pattern AND the colors!

This Week's Giveaway... Well, sorry to say there isn't one this week. We are currently looking for Giveaway Sponsors. Do you sell patterns, yarn or yarn related items? Would you like to have your shop and/or blog highlighted? Just send an email to Rachel of The Philosopher's Wife letting her know that you are interested and she will get all the details worked out. We thank you for your participation and support!

Join the Party!

The Yarn Fanatic Party will begin every Monday afternoon, and run through Sunday night. You have all week and weekend to post your fantastic yarn related projects!

Please share projects that are family friendly, and YARN RELATED; ie Crochet, Knit, with an extension to include Cross Stitch, Needlepoint on Plastic Canvas and Embroidery.Also make sure you are linking up to your blog post, and just just your blog's home page.

We encourage you to:

*Become a Follower of the blog where you linked up. Following both is also greatly appreciated!

Features will be chosen weekly. By linking up, you give us permission to feature your item.*If you don't have a blog, you can still share with us by creating a Free Flickr Account - powered by Yahoo. Add your projects there, and then come back here with the link for the project.*Link ups cannot be to Etsy listings or Ravelry pages where patterns are sold. You can link to blog posts, Flickr or Facebook pages, Pins, etc that are directed towards it, but can't directly link to it. To be clearer though, Raverly pages of finished projects are okay to share. Sorry for the inconvenience! That's per InLinkz guidelines. Thanks!

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My Whirlpool Coin Purse can be found in February 2018, Issue 41 of the Pattern Pack Pro. This issue features five coin purses! If you don't already subscribe to the Pattern Pack Pro, it's a great monthly crochet magazine that focuses specifically on a type of project to help build your repertoire. Click this image to subscribe now - this contains an affiliate link, meaning if you subscribe using it, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, PLUS! You get a discount by subscribing through my link.

Hello There!

Confession - I am a craft, coffee and cat addict! I love to crochet, make my own jewelry, make cards and invitations, hand write letters, paint, draw, do my nails, hang out on Pinterest, visit with other bloggers, share projects, bake, play with my cat Shiloh... The list goes on and on! Pleasure to meet you, and thanks for joining the journey! Craftedly Yours, Alexandra.

Sharing Policy

I love when you share my projects and recipes! But please be respectful.

Do not copy and paste my posts anywhere, rather you should link to them.

Do not sell my patterns or posts!

You may use one photo with link back when sharing my photos.

Some of my photos are not intended to be shared outside of the blog post, and that is why I have disabled the pinning option within them. These are mostly photos of my family, or the process of working up a project. Please be respectful and do not share these photos without permission from me.

Feel free to sell items made from my patterns and tutorials. Designer credit and a link back is very much appreciated, but not required.

I would love to see your work! Feel free to post to my Facebook page, Facebook.com/EyeLoveKnots.